It's the little things that get me excited when changing jobs...

Sunday, 22 April 2018

Recently I decided to take the plunge and apply for an opportunity that appeared in my inbox. After a year and a half in my current role I thought I would take a chance on a new job that sounded terrifying but exciting all at the same time. I really like the place i'm at at the moment, but sometimes a new offer turns up that is just too good to turn down - and I'm so grateful that this new offer was given to me. I hope to do quite a bit of content about getting a new job and how it all goes when I start, but I thought i'd start with mentioning the nerdiest thing that's making me excited about moving jobs. STATIONERY. Yes I know what you're thinking, 'is she really saying that a few new notebooks and some fancy pens are all that exciting?' And my answer is yes, they make me just as excited now as they did each summer when mum would take me to WHSmith in an attempt to get me to be enthusiastic about going back to school after a long holiday off.

One of my favourite places to shop for new bits and pieces is the Old English Company. They are a stationery and homeware brand that make really beautiful, hand lettered products that I am obsessed with. Their stuff is so simple and stylish, and they use cute calligraphy-style writing across all their designs. I was introduced to them a few years ago and have been building a collection of items from them ever since (I can't help myself). When I found out about my new job they were naturally the first place I headed to when I decided that I wanted to treat myself to new work stationery, but I hadn't quite realised that all but one of my favourite items were 'millennial pink' themed! Who can resist it when they all look so nice together? My main priority had to be planners and notepads, because although I like to think of myself as quite a naturally organised person, often this is down to the help of a good planner. An A5 notebook is so handy for keeping in your bag in between meetings when you're out and about, and it's even better when it's got some rose gold foil lettering on the front. Then when you're at your desk, prioritising tasks is essential for me if I want to tackle not only the big jobs, but also the boring ones too. A weekly agenda helps me to take a look at the week ahead and assess what things I need to make sure I tick off; and then a note pad and memo pad are super handy for making notes throughout the day when new tasks are added to your (never ending) list.

Although it might not last long, I find that buying new stationery bits really help to get me in an organised and productive mood. To some it may mean nothing, but for me I think it helps me to feel like i've got my life in gear and I can tackle anything that life throws at me. If i'm going to enjoy my job then I might as well start with the basics to set me off in the right direction! Take a look at my top Old English Company picks:

Did you know that it is World Stationery Day on the 25th April? To celebrate, Old English Company are offering one lucky person the chance to win all 4 of their best-selling planners in a variety of colours! If you want to win then head over to their website to check out the details (Winner being announced on the 25th).